RCMP, family renew plea for help in solving former Merritt city councillor's untimely death

Mounties in northeast BC are renewing a plea for public information about a hit and run that left a Merritt city councillor dead more than one year ago.

Claire Newman was hit by a vehicle on Highway 16 near Lucerne Lake, which is about an hour drive east of Valemount, shortly before midnight on July 4, 2023.

Newman was a first time city councillor for the City of Merritt after being elected in 2022. She was also the president of the Logan Lake City Council Community Forest for 14 years.

Newman was also a mother.

In partnership with the RCMP, Claire’s daughter Lauren Newman released a heartfelt video, urging anyone with information to come forward about her mother’s untimely death.

“We had her service in September 2023. Lots of people came and said beautiful things and were very honoring of her,” Newman said in a news release from the Valemount RCMP.

“Car accidents happen all the time. Things happen all the time. But that doesn't mean you can't do the right thing and come forward and give people the closure they need. If anybody knows anything or has any leads or tips, please contact the Valemount RCMP.”

Newman was 46-years-old at the time of the tragic hit-and-run and, according to police, she was on her way to visit family. Police found her Nissan Frontier running and unlocked with a dog inside and believe she was outside her vehicle when she was hit.

They also found a headlight assembly neary, which was later identified as belonging to a grey 2016 or 2018 Jeep Cherokee.

In August 2023, police released images of the vehicle, which was caught on camera driving east along Hwy 16 at the Parks Canada gate, west of Jasper.

However, police were unable to determine if the vehicle travelled south toward Banff or east toward Edmonton.

“The community's assistance is crucial in bringing closure to the family and ensuring justice for Claire Newman,” the RCMP say in the news release.

“The RCMP is committed to resolving this case and appreciates any help the public can provide.”

Anyone with information about the fatal hit-and-run is urged to contact the Valemount RCMP detachment at (250) 566-4466 or Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 222-8477.